Shaq’s Prediction For Lakers’ 2024-25 NBA Season Causes A Stir

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most beloved players in Los Angeles Lakers History.

Because of that, his takes on the team generally receive a lot of attention.

This week Shaq appeared on Pat McAfee’s show and offered his thoughts on how the Lakers’ upcoming season will turn out.

“That is the LeBron show, LeBron is in charge over there,” Shaq said.

.@SHAQ tells the @PatMcAfeeShow he believes the Lakers will have a “rough start” this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/PMdVG7qYYr

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 5, 2024

“I think personally they’re gonna have a rough start. And what I mean by that is that it’s all about respect. And if I’m a guy who has played 7, 8 years and I’m getting a young coach who I think I was a better player than, there’d going to be a level of disrespect there.

“LeBron and Anthony Davis will do a great job of keeping everybody in order but you always said that if you really respect your coach you will really go out there and play hard. I was fortunate enough to play with Phil Jackson and Pat Riley because I knew they knew what they were talking about. All the other coaches,s there were times where I was like ‘I don’t know if that’s gonna work.'”

Fans had some strong reactions to Shaq’s take:

It seems like Shaq doesn’t have much faith in this Lakers team, man

— Lakers On 𝕏 (@LakersOnX) September 5, 2024

lakers always take time to gel.

— Nathalie May (@nathaliemayy) September 5, 2024

i believe what shaq is saying

— juicy_story_apparel (@juicystory_xciv) September 5, 2024

This is the second time in recent days Shaq has seemingly taken an anti-Lakers stance.

The first came with his strong take on J.J. Redick’s first season in L.A.

One way or another, Shaq will either be proven wrong or right when the 2024-25 NBA season tips off. Which one it will be remains to bge seen.

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about Sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.